Artifact 8

I created this artifact during block in my Social Studies Methods class during my Senior year. I comparatively looked at two Fourth grade Social Studies text books. I used Microsoft Word to cite my analysis and created a comparative paper looking for readability, access, curriculum ties, details, base knowledge, introduction and follow-up. I looked at which one I preferred to use if I had to and write why that one would be better. I also looked at strengths and weaknesses and the ease for the reader. I was mainly seeing similarities, but did manage to find a few differences that would allow me to make a decision of which is better.

Impact

As a future teacher, it would be useful for me to pay attention to different texts and be able to compare their strengths and weaknesses so that what I am providing for students is the most up to date and informative. This project also made me realize how many resources are out there and what to look for when analyzing a text. Mostly, this project allowed me to utilize the fourth grade curriculum guide and see how resources out there compare or contrast with these goals. I will have to evaluate many books throughout my teaching career, not just textbooks, so it has shown me what to look for and the confidence to do so.

Alignment

The Textbook Evaluation aligns with INTASC principle 7. This is a good project because is develops plans that re appropriate for curriculum and are based on effective instruction. It is no good to you as a teacher if what you are teaching does not in some way align with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. It is also helpful to evaluate the text to pan lessons and activities based on the knowledge provided as well as seeing what it offers as far as different instructional levels are concerned.